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The life cycle of alternative agricultural research

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

Molly D. Anderson
Molly D. Anderson
Affiliation:
Assistant Professor and Director of the Degree Program in Agriculture, Food and Environment, School of Nutrition, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155.
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Abstract

The acceptance and utility of alternative agricultural research can be enhanced by better incorporating social sciences and issues and by broadening its scope to the entire food system rather than focusing only on food production. Researchers have made strong contributions in developing and evaluating alternative agricultural technologies, but research attention also is needed to articulate strategies for synthesizing those technologies into coherent strategies, to examine the social effects of different scenarios, and to create better decisionmaking processes for ensuring broad-based knowledgeable participation in the choices among alternative strategies. Research that addresses human needs beyond food and fiber will help build truly alternative and desirable agricultural systems.

Keywords

alternative agriculturesustainable agriculturefood systeminterdisciplinary researchcitizen participation
Type
Forum on Alternative Agriculture Research Policy
Information
American Journal of Alternative Agriculture , Volume 10 , Issue 1 , March 1995 , pp. 3 - 9
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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